A note from our pastor:

”Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Ephesians 6:10

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle begins the conclusion of his letter to the Ephesians. Starting with this verse going through the rest of the chapter the Apostle is going to be bringing all of his thoughts together and providing a final set of instructions to the disciples at Ephesus and indirectly to the community of believers in every age.

This verse expresses the foundation of the concluding remarks the Apostle is going to make. The first instruction is to be strong in the Lord. Notice the Apostle is not telling the community of believers to be strong for the Lord. To do so would be contrary to what scriptures teach regarding how the disciple needs Christ in all things. Rather, the instruction from the Apostle is to be strong in the Lord.

For the community of believers to be strong in the Lord it requires faith, humility, and action. First, the disciples must believe that God is God, believing not only in him but on him and his power to save. There must be a recognition of the storms about but also of the calming nature of Christ. Second, the disciples must realize at a deep level their own nature. When the community of believers recognizes their own undeserving nature it both allows them to see the mercy of Christ and also to understand the need of all those around them. Finally, to be strong in the Lord requires action on the part of the disciple. It requires one to act in love and forgiveness, to care for the poor, and to actively seek to learn about Jesus Christ and his Gospel.

The second part of the foundation is to believe in the power of the might of God. Said another way, the disciple must be willing to continually pray unto God “I believe, help thou my unbelief.” With tribulation and trial it is easy for the disciple to actively believe in God and yet not fully trust in the power of God for their own situation. The Apostle here says, as a foundational concept, for the community of believers to seek to know and understand the power of the will of God.

These foundational concepts are not ones to be accomplished and set aside. Rather than being milestones to accomplish they are a path to walk down. The path has been walked by many before us, but it requires us to walk it anew each day. Seek to know these truths and embed them in the heart.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah